The XCOM sequence contains among the finest technique video games on PC, but its trendy iterations of 2012’s Enemy Unknown and 2016’s XCOM 2 are somewhat completely different from the likewise wonderful origins of X-COM within the ‘90s. Sticking extra intently to these previous video games is Goldhawk Interactive’s wonderful Xenonauts 2, printed by indie technique home Hooded Horse. Its newest replace, simply launched on Steam, brings some new threats to the battlefield, alongside a brand new method to assist cope with them.
A promising follow-up to Goldhawk’s first launch, Xenonauts 2 as soon as once more places you answerable for a shadow group aiming to deliver the nations of Earth collectively to struggle a rising alien risk. You’ll have to take care of your community of bases throughout the globe as you analysis your enemy and practice your troops in an try and match their power. It’s a relentless technique recreation the place each choice can swing a struggle – however losses are inevitable.
Xenonauts 2 replace 4 is a hefty overhaul. It introduces an extra UFO kind, the Harvester, the penultimate alien ship to be added forward of the Battleship. This big transport craft is supplied with beam weapons and homing missiles, making a risk by itself deserves, however its massive inside can play dwelling to a quite a few crew of elite alien troopers.
Additionally getting into the fray are the Androns. This new race of robotic troopers is well-armored and normally present in strike forces that may accompany Wraith crews. Their excessive armor values imply you’ll wish to resort to instruments akin to EMP injury to interrupt previous their defenses and convey them down.
“Androns have been in among the (pre-Early Entry) Kickstarter builds of Xenonauts 2,” Goldhawk explains, “however their unique fashions and animations didn’t look significantly good they usually had built-in arm-cannon weapons that have been tough for gamers to establish. We’re a lot happier with the up to date fashions and animations, and because the new Androns carry weapons within the standard method it’s now a lot simpler to identify which of them have lethal Fusion weapons.”
Worry not, nonetheless, as you’ll additionally get entry to the brand new Colossus Battlesuit. Initially deliberate because the “final” Xenonaut armor, it was outdated by the Vanguard and now acts as a extra primitive choice that you simply’ll get entry to earlier within the development. Which means it’s a really sturdy choice regardless of some limitations, boosting your power and armor dramatically however decreasing its wearer’s imaginative and prescient vary by three tiles together with a lowered reflex stat.
Along with this, it may well solely make use of machine gun-type weapons, and is incapable of creating use of grenades or modules. Whereas the Colossus will really feel considerably much less helpful when you acquire entry to Vanguard Battlesuits, you’ll additionally have the ability to improve its armor additional to retain its viability as a specialised heavy assault unit.
The replace additionally consists of loads of steadiness modifications because the workforce at Goldhawk works in direction of the complete launch of the sport. Should you’re tempted to leap in for the primary time, there’s even a Steam sale low cost, letting you accomplish that at a cheaper price than normal.
Xenonauts 2 is on sale at a 30% low cost via Thursday July 11. Which means you’ll pay simply £24.49 down from its normal value of £34.99. Head right here to test it out for your self.
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